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Deal.ai › Compare

Mechman Running Engine Stand vs Pit-Pal Products Engine Cradle Pro Stand

These are not the same tool. The Mechman is a complete running stand: it holds a 2011+ Ford 5.0L Coyote, carries 1,500 lbs, and includes a 4-gauge panel, 300-amp main fuse, 6-circuit fuse/relay center, dual electric fans, and a 10-foot fuel line, so you can start and break in an engine out of the car. The Pit-Pal PIT162 is a cradle-style adjustable stand in tubular steel with dual-wheel casters and spring-loaded 1/2-inch locking pins, built to hold a V8 during maintenance or storage, not to run it. Buy the Mechman if you need to test-run a Coyote; buy the Pit-Pal if you need a stable, collapsible holder for a Chevy V8. Owners praise the Mechman's bolt-together assembly and locking casters, while the cradle design limits access to some underside components.

  • Choose the Mechman Running Engine Stand if you need to start, break in or diagnose a 2011+ Ford 5.0L Coyote outside the vehicle and want the wiring, cooling and fuel hardware in one kit.
  • Choose the Pit-Pal PIT162 if you need an adjustable, collapsible cradle to hold a Chevy V8 steady for maintenance or storage rather than to run it.

Prices

  • Mechman Running Engine Stand: $2,499.00 at FI Performance (last seen Nov 10)
  • Pit-Pal Products Engine Cradle Pro Stand: $458.99 at Amazon (last seen Nov 13)
  • Difference: the Pit-Pal Products Engine Cradle Pro Stand is $2,040.01 cheaper than the Mechman Running Engine Stand at the latest prices (Nov 10 and Nov 13)
Mechman
Mechman Running Engine Stand (Complete System)

Mechman Running Engine Stand

Mechman Running Engine Stand (Complete System)

$2,499.00at FI PerformanceChecked Nov 10
See all prices and details
Visit FI Performance
Pros
  • Runs an engine out of the car with ignition, starter control and gauges wired in
  • Includes cooling fans, radiator brackets and a fuel line
  • 1,500 lb steel frame with locking casters
  • Engine-specific mounting hardware included
  • Made in the USA
Cons
  • Does not fold up, so it takes floor space
  • Fitment is locked to one engine family per kit
  • Heavier and more complex to assemble than a cradle
Pit-Pal Products
Pit-Pal Products Engine Cradle Pro Stand PIT162

Pit-Pal Products Engine Cradle Pro Stand

Pit-Pal Products Engine Cradle Pro Stand PIT162

$458.99at AmazonChecked Nov 13
See all prices and details
Visit Amazon

Store links may earn us a commission. As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

Pros
  • Adjustable and collapsible for tight shops

What separates them

Mechman Running Engine StandPit-Pal Products Engine Cradle Pro Stand
PurposeFull running stand with ignition, starter control, cooling and fuel systemsCradle stand for holding an engine during service or storage
Engine fitmentDirect fit for 2011+ Ford 5.0L CoyoteAdjustable, listed for Chevy V8
Capacity1,500 lbsNot stated; built for a V8
Instrumentation4-gauge panel: tach, oil, temp, voltsNone
Cooling and fuelDual electric fans, radiator brackets, 10-foot 3/8-inch fuel lineNone
Mobility and storageFour legs with locking casters; does not fold upDual-wheel casters; collapses for storage
BuildSteel frame, made in the USA, bolt-togetherTubular steel, zinc plated, spring-loaded 1/2-inch locking pins
Assembly and setupBolt-together kit with engine-specific mounts and hardwareAdjustable cradle with casters; simpler setup

Price history

$3,449.00$458.99
Oct 28Nov 13
  • Mechman Running Engine Stand: lowest $2,124.15 on Nov 10 at Mechman Alternators.
  • Pit-Pal Products Engine Cradle Pro Stand: lowest $458.99 on Nov 13 at Amazon.

Prices at every store

Mechman Running Engine Stand

  • Mechman AlternatorsNew

    In stock

    $2,499.00+ $300.00 shippingChecked Nov 10
    Visit Mechman Alternators
  • FI PerformanceNew

    Availability unknown

    $2,499.00Free shippingChecked Nov 10
    Visit FI Performance
  • Alternator OutletNew

    Availability unknown

    $2,499.00Free shippingChecked Nov 10
    Visit Alternator Outlet
  • DieselAlternators.comNew

    Availability unknown

    $2,499.00Checked Nov 10
    Visit DieselAlternators.com

Also available at

  • Alternator OutletCheck price at Alternator Outlet
  • FI PerformanceCheck price at FI Performance
All 5 stores and price history →

Pit-Pal Products Engine Cradle Pro Stand

  • Rs Customs LlcNew

    In stock

    $464.99Checked Nov 13
    Visit Rs Customs Llc
  • Milky MotorsportsNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $540.64Checked Nov 13
    Visit Milky Motorsports
  • JDR-Partsbarn and SalesNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $557.99Checked Nov 13
    Visit JDR-Partsbarn and Sales
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $458.99Free shippingChecked Nov 13
    Visit Amazon

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 9 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecMechman Running Engine StandPit-Pal Products Engine Cradle Pro Stand
Weight capacity1,500 lbs.—
Frame materialSteel—
Leg styleFour—
Stand colorGreen—
Hardware includedYes—
Engine fitmentDirect fit for 2011+ Ford 5.0L Coyote engines—
Gauge panel4 gauges (Tach, oil, temp, volts)—
Main fuse300-amp—
Fuse/relay center6-circuit—
Cooling fans(2) electric cooling fans—
Fuel hose line10' 3/8"—
Part TypeEngine Stands—
Show all 23 specsShow fewer specs
SpecMechman Running Engine StandPit-Pal Products Engine Cradle Pro Stand
Weight Capacity (Lbs.)1,500—
Engine Stand MaterialSteel—
Fold UpNo—
Engine Stand ColorBlack—
Material—tubular steel
Casters—dual wheel casters
Locking pins—spring-loaded 1/2" locking pins
Collapsible—May be collapsed for easy storage
Finish—Zinc Plated
Adjustable

What reviewers say

Mechman Running Engine Stand

Buyers describe it as a dependable, shop-ready platform for professionals and enthusiasts. They call out easy bolt-together assembly and a rugged, stable frame with locking casters.

What people mention
  • BuildPraisedOwners call the steel frame rugged and stable.
  • AssemblyPraisedBuyers say it bolts together easily.
  • MobilityPraisedLocking casters are noted as stable once set.
  • CompletenessPraisedBuyers value getting fuel, cooling and electrical in one kit.

Questions and answers

Which one can I use to break in a Coyote 5.0L?
Only the Mechman. It is built for the 2011+ Coyote and includes the gauge panel, fuse center, fans and fuel line needed to run it. The Pit-Pal is a holder, not a run stand.
Which is better for storing an engine between jobs?
The Pit-Pal. It collapses and rolls on dual-wheel casters, which suits a crowded shop. The Mechman does not fold up and takes more floor space.
Is the Mechman worth stepping up to over a cradle?
If you need to start and test an engine, yes. A cradle cannot do that. If you only need to hold an engine while you work on it, the cradle does the job with less setup.
Which holds up better over time?
Both are steel. The Mechman uses a heavy-duty frame with locking casters; the Pit-Pal is zinc-plated tubular steel with locking pins. Longevity depends on load and storage, and neither maker publishes a duty rating beyond the Mechman's 1,500 lbs.
Can the Pit-Pal hold a Ford Coyote?
Its listing names Chevy V8 fitment. The Mechman is the direct-fit option for a 2011+ Coyote. Check the Pit-Pal's adjustment range before assuming it fits a Coyote.
Do I need extra parts to run an engine on the Mechman?
The kit covers the stand, mounts, gauges, fuse center, fans, radiator brackets and fuel line. You still supply a battery, which is not included.

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More comparisons

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  • Mechman Running Engine Stand (Complete System) vs Mobile Engine Motor Testing Station Stand, Test Run Stand with Gauge Meters for Automotive Engines
  • Mobile Engine Motor Testing Station Stand, Test Run Stand with Gauge Meters for Automotive Engines vs Pit-Pal Products Engine Cradle Pro Stand PIT162
Dual-wheel casters roll easily
  • Spring-loaded 1/2-inch locking pins hold adjustment
  • Zinc-plated tubular steel resists corrosion
  • Cons
    • Cannot run an engine: no wiring, cooling or fuel
    • Cradle shape blocks access to some underside components
    • Fitment is listed for Chevy V8, not Coyote
    —
    Adjustable
    Wheels—Wheels Included